Opening of the 25th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee

On the morning of February 20th, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly opened its 25th session to discuss the draft Law on Environmental Protection (amended) and to consider and decide on the staffing plan for the 2014-2016 period of the National Assembly Office. National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung presided over the session, with the participation of National Assembly Vice Chairmen Tong Thi Phong, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and Uong Chu Luu.

Following the opening remarks by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, the National Assembly Standing Committee focused on discussing major issues on which there were differing opinions regarding the draft Law on Environmental Protection (amended).

The 25th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee opened on the morning of February 20th in Hanoi.

Regarding the scope of application, the majority of delegates suggested that the draft law only needs to stipulate that "This Law applies to all organizations, households, and individuals operating within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam," as this is comprehensive and sufficient, since Article 1 of the Constitution already clearly states that territory includes the mainland, islands, sea areas, and airspace.

Many opinions agreed with the need for a two-step environmental impact assessment regulation. However, some delegates argued that a two-step environmental impact assessment could lead to complexity, cumbersome administrative procedures, and increased costs for businesses, suggesting that a single-step assessment would suffice while ensuring effectiveness.

The issue of environmental protection in scrap metal imports received significant attention and feedback from many delegates. Some delegates suggested researching and clearly defining in the Law the groups of scrap materials permitted for import; supplementing environmental technical standards for permitted imported scrap materials; strictly prohibiting the buying and selling of imported scrap materials within the country; and establishing strict regulations for granting scrap import licenses, otherwise Vietnam could become the world's waste dump.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Budget Committee, Phung Quoc Hien, said: "We need to reconsider allowing the import of scrap materials. Scrap materials are waste materials; if countries with more advanced scientific capabilities than ours discard them, why should we import them? The draft includes a wide range of materials, including those that cannot be disposed of, such as iron, steel, plastic, and paper... I believe this needs careful consideration, otherwise we will become the world's waste dump."

Delegates also focused their comments on issues such as environmental protection planning, protection of the marine and island environment, and the State's responsibility for environmental protection management. According to the delegates, environmental planning needs to consider the related contents of other plans such as regional planning, construction planning, and urban planning.

Speaking at the session, National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan emphasized that she basically agrees with the contents of the draft Law on Environmental Protection (amended). However, she suggested that the drafting committee should study the new Constitution to institutionalize this draft law appropriately, especially the regulations on environmental protection. She also suggested considering the relationship between environmental planning and other planning, as well as the planning period of 10 years or 20 years. The drafting committee should continue to research and revise the draft before submitting it to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

According to VOV